Do Power Recliners Have to Be Plugged In? (+ Other FAQs)

Designed to offer the same comfort technologies as the traditional recliner, with none of the physical exertion needed to operate it, power recliners make it effortless to sit back and relax – at exactly the position and angle you prefer – all at the touch of a button.

Operated by automated motors via either a battery pack or an electrical cord, modern power recliners feature three buttons built into the side of the armrest: one for the recliner’s back, one for the recliner’s footrest and one for the recliner’s headrest.

Power Recliner vs. Manual

A power recliner is operated with power, coming from a power source of either electricity or battery. (Some designs offer both electric and battery operations.) The way a manual recliner differs from a power model is that it does not rely on either electricity or battery power – for all intents and purposes, it's a traditional chair that can be moved the old-fashioned way (by exerting force with your hand).

How to Manually Move a Power Recliner

Sometimes, a source of electricity or power isn't always reliable. Whether you're dealing with an outage or dead battery, you'll quickly learn that power recliners don't work without power! However, that doesn't mean you still can't enjoy the comforts of a power recliner that's stopped working the way you're used to! 

To move a power recliner the manual way, first check the product manual. The ways recliners work are different and manual overrides may involve a set of instructions specific to your model. Some tips that usually work universally include:

• Unplugging. Unplugging the recliner and plugging it back in again may help to 'reboot' the mechanisms.
• Checking for blocks. Sometimes, the culprit is as simple as an object that's somewhow worked its way into the reclining mechanism. Disassemble the recliner to examine for loose or lodged pieces.
• Lubrication. Over time, gears can get stiff. If you've checked the manual and tried the steps listed above, you may find it helpful to disassemble the recliner and grease any stuck or stubborn parts. 
 

Do Power Recliners Have to Be Plugged In?

It depends on the type: some power recliners have to be plugged in, and some don't. If your recliner relies on a power cord, you will need to place it near a wall socket for electricity. If your recliner relies on a battery only, you can place it anywhere and still enjoy the reclining features!

Do Power Recliners Have a Manual Override?

Your power recliner may have a manual override. Read the manual if you're not sure; forcing a recliner down when it's not designed for manual reclining can damage it, so it's better to stay safe than sorry! Keep in mind that power recliners are built with a lot of moving parts and pieces (think of it as the furniture version of a car) – knowing how your recliner works is the best step toward preventing mechanical problems.